REPORTING CIRCUIT BREAKER AND SYSTEM

摘要

A circuit breaker having internal power monitoring and data signal generating apparatus, and a system for utilizing such a circuit breaker in a facility having a plurality of tenants served by branch circuits from a plurality of distribution panels. The circuit breaker radiates signals indicative of power consumption of the branch circuit protected thereby, together with a unique address identifier tied to one tenant. Electrical billings are based on summing all signals for each tenant. Changes to branch circuits during tenancy will not disturb correct billings since individual circuit breakers are associated with that tenant using power supplied by each branch circuit. Hence changes to branch circuits may be limited to modify building space locations served by the modified branch circuit, and need not be further modified to maintain correct billing in light of the circuit changes.

主权项

1. A circuit breaker, comprising:
a plurality of terminals disposed to receive and electrically connect to external power conductors; a circuit closure device connected to provide a continuous electrical circuit extending between at least two of said plurality of terminals, and to interrupt said continuous yet interruptible electrical circuit in response to a current flow between said plurality of terminals in excess of a selected threshold value, wherein the circuit closure device comprises separable contacts disposed serially within said continuous electrical circuit, an externally accessible operating handle which is capable of moving between a first position wherein the contacts close to complete an electrical circuit extending between two of the terminals and a second position wherein the contacts are separated to open said electrical circuit extending between two of the terminals; a current monitoring device disposed to provide a signal in response to a flow of current in said continuous electrical circuit, which said signal is indicative of magnitude of the flow of current; a transmitter disposed to generate a first radiated signal which is indicative of the sensed magnitude of the flow of current, and a second radiated signal which is indicative of identification of the circuit breaker; and a housing disposed to entirely and internally contain said circuit closure device, said current monitoring device, and said transmitter, wherein said housing is dimensioned and externally configured in the manner of a conventional commercially available circuit breaker for use with plug-in distribution panels.